Fall Car Maintenance

FALL CAR MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST FROM Bob Jeannotte Buick GMC

The days are getting shorter, the air is crisp, and the leaves are beginning to fall, that means it's time to check your fall vehicle maintenance. Once the temperature drops, the performance of your vehicle can be affected.

Follow this checklist to ensure that you’re ready once colder weather hits.

Check Your Heater & Defroster

You probably haven’t used your vehicle’s heater since last spring so make sure to test that every vent is blowing hot air. Also check your front and rear defroster to ensure that they are working and venting heat. If it’s taking too long, consider getting your heater and defroster systems serviced. You’ll thank yourself in January.

Steering and Suspension

Schedule an appointment with our service department to look over your steering system, suspension and front-end alignment. We recommend getting this done at least once a year, and before winter sets in is always a good time.

Have Your Brakes Checked

Bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection if you notice anything wrong with your brakes. Brake pads will wear out over time and you don’t want your brakes to fail when you’re trying to stop in snowy conditions.

Check Your Tires

Your brakes are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, don't take them for granted. Do your tires have noticeable wear? How’s your tire pressure? Changes in the weather cause tire pressure to fluctuate, if you've been putting off new tires, take a look at our specials. It's easier than putting yourself and family at risk this winter.

Refresh Your Winter Safety Kit

You probably already have a winter safety kit in your car, but take a few minutes to check and make sure you have a space blanket, a few pairs of gloves, an ice scraper, (two is better!) a first aid kit and some granola bars and bottled water at the very least.

Give Your Car a Full Cleaning

Make sure to take your car to your local car wash and give it a full cleaning inside and out. Make sure to vacuum the interior too. Taking care of your vehicle inside and out ensures you'll get the most resale value if and when you choose to sell or trade it in.

Regular maintenance gives your vehicle a longer life, and helps you stay safer on the road. At Bob Jeannotte Buick GMC we understand and want your vehicle to last as long as possible. Schedule service with us today after you check out our service specials. We look forward to seeing you!

Get Your Oil Changed

If you’re at your recommended oil change time (check your owner’s manual), change your oil. Old oil that needs to be changed will be even more sluggish due to in the cold and contaminants. Pay attention to your oil change sensor and take advantage of our oil change specials today!

Check Engine Light

When your car’s Check Engine light is on, it means there is a problem with your vehicle. If you've been driving with the Check Engine light on, you should schedule an appointment with us to determine the issue. Don't head into winter driving with an undiagnosed issue that could be a major problem.

Check For Battery Problems

We put more demands on our cars in cold weather. What might have seemed like a little issue back in the summertime could quickly result in a dead battery in the winter. If you notice your lights are dimmer, or you hear an odd sound when you start your car, a low battery could be the cause.

Replace the Cabin Air Filter

A clogged cabin air filter can dramatically reduce airflow through your car's heater, stressing the blower motor and possibly the engine. Having the filter replaced at your next checkup will save you time and money in the long run.

Check All of Your Lights

This one’s easy. Just walk around your vehicle with your lights turned on. Check the headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights, and emergency flashers. If there are any broken bulbs, we can replace them at your next service appointment if you haven't replaced them yourself. If they're all working, make sure your lights are clean. You'll feel a lot safer with better visibility this winter.

Replace Windshield Wipers & Check Washer Fluid

Sun damage over the summer can cause windshield wipers to crack, which means you should check them now before bad weather happens. Replace your windshield wipers and check your washer fluid to make sure you're ready for winter. This is also a good time to inspect your windshield. If you notice any cracks or chips, give our team a call to have it checked.

Fall Weekend Road Trip Ideas

The kids may be going back to school, but there's still time to squeeze in a few weekend road trips. Take a look at our list below for a few ideas after getting your vehicle serviced. Fall isn't just about seeing the leaves turn, there's plenty to do around your area!